Historians have traditionally approached North America through the lens of the nation-state rather than from a continental perspective. While acknowledging that the geographic vastness and historical complexity of North America make it difficult to study as a whole, authors Michael Brescia and John Super build on the premise that the experiences of each country can be better understood when evaluated as a whole rather than as unique and discrete units. Employing a thematic approach, the au...

In Religion and World History, distinguished authors John C. Super and Briane K. Turley examine the value of religion for interpreting the human experience in the past and present. They explore the elements of religion which best connect it to the cultural and political dynamics that have influenced history.Working within this framework, Super and Turley present three unifying themes:* the relationship between formal and informal religious beliefs, how these change...

“This book could well be the most highly readable, accurate, and up-to-date introduction to the world’s major religions.” - Harvey Cox, Hollis Research Professor of Divinity, Harvard University, and author of The Future of FaithIn God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World, New York Times bestselling author of Religious Literacy and religion scholar Stephen Prothero argues that persistent attempts in modern theo...

User-Friendly Beginner's Guide to World ReligionsThe world is becoming more integrated. What once seemed like the religions of exotic faraway lands are now practiced by families next door. These short, easily digestible readings give an overview of the beliefs, histories, and practices of dozens of religions, including Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and many more. Garry Morgan blends the knowledge of a college professor with real-world experience and an accessible style. ...

Understand where we came from.Whether you're an avid student of the Bible or a skeptic of its relevance, The Book That Made Your World will transform your perception of its influence on virtually every facet of Western civilization.Indian philosopher Vishal Mangalwadi reveals the personal motivation that fueled his own study of the Bible and systematically illustrates how its precepts became the framework for societal structure throughout the last ...

Legendary Harvard religion scholar Harvey Cox offers up a new interpretation of the history and future of religion. Cox identifies three fundamental shifts over the last 2,000 years of church history:The Age of Faith was when the early church was more concerned with following Jesus' teachings than enforcing what to believe about Jesus.The Age of Belief marks a significant shift-between the fourth and twentieth centuries-when the church focused on orthodoxy and right beliefs...

The updated guide to differences and similarities of faiths around the worldIn this revised and updated edition of the popular guide to the many faiths followed around the world, modern and ancient religions are extensively covered as well as New Thought religions. This edition also now features a chapter on Sikhism, more coverage of religious extremism in the 21st century, a new chapter on the afterlife, and additional online resources making it the most ...

This compendium of obscure facts about the world's religions highlights the political, cultural, and philosophical aspects of the history of religion.If you're waiting for the world's "Holy Men" to tell you the truth about their religions, do you suppose they'll mention that:The Tao Te Ching was only created because Lao Tzu was thrown in jail by a disciple who didn't want to let him leave town without writing down his teachings?"Passover" cel...

This text combines study of the dynamic historical development of each religious tradition with a comparative thematic structure. Students are encouraged to discover and explore the nature of religious experience by comparing basic themes and issues common to all religions, finding connections with their own personal experiences. By sensitively introducing descriptive material within a comparative thematic structure, this text helps students to understand how each religion provides, for it...

So much to read, so little time? This brief overview of A History of God tells you what you need to know—before or after you read Karen Armstrong's book.Crafted and edited with care, Worth Books set the standard for quality and give you the tools you need to be a well-informed reader.This short summary and analysis of A History of God by Karen Armstrong includes:Historical contextChapter-by-chapter summaries

From the Native American tribal faiths and the Judeo-Christian traditions to Scientology and other nascent religions, man's search for God takes many fascinating forms. In this easy-to-use and comprehensive guide, you'll explore the intriguing dogma and rituals, cultural convictions, and often-checkered backgrounds and histories of the world's religions. This mystical tour of major and minor religions, both ancient and contemporary, includes:How religions deal with the issue ...

A modern-day theologian’s call for the radical transformation of Christianity• Echoes the Reformation initiated by Martin Luther in 1517• Addresses the corruption and authoritarian tendencies that distinguish today’s Christian institutions from the spiritual message upon which they are founded• Offers a new vision of Christianity that values the Earth, honors the feminine, and emphasizes spiritual toleranceIn 1517, Martin Luther, disgusted at the corruption ...